Research Associate I, Analytical Chemistry
About The Position
Prolific Machines is developing an optogenetic platform that uses light to control cellular behavior and support biotechnology partners in improving the efficiency, quality, and reproducibility of pharmaceuticals and therapeutic proteins. The Research Associate I will join the Analytical Chemistry team and collaborate with R&D and Bioprocess teams to quantify and characterize therapeutic proteins and support development of the photomolecular platform. The role involves planning, executing, and interpreting experiments related to protein expression and biotherapeutic quality; performing analytical assays; operating and troubleshooting analytical instruments; and supporting analytical method development and validation. The position is based in Emeryville, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is salaried and exempt, with a stated salary range of $70,000–$100,000 per year depending on level and qualifications. The posting indicates typical ranges of $70,000–$85,000 for Research Associate I and $85,000–$100,000 for Research Associate II.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field, with 0–2 years of industry experience; candidates without a degree but with similar industry experience are encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrated experience operating HPLC/UPLC systems for protein therapeutic analysis and interpreting chromatographic data.
- Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting HPLC/UPLC instrumentation.
- Strong communication skills and comfort sharing knowledge at multiple levels of technical detail.
- Excitement about working with internal and external clients to deliver project excellence.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Agilent HPLC/UPLC systems and OpenLab CDS.
- Experience supporting analytical development activities for biologics.
Responsibilities
- Plan, execute, and interpret experiments to characterize protein expression and biotherapeutic quality.
- Execute analytical assays for biologics characterization and development, including routine and complex therapeutic protein characterization.
- Routinely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation, including HPLCs, FPLCs, and CE/cIEF systems.
- Support method development, optimization, qualification, validation, and troubleshooting activities.
- Document experimental procedures, data, and results in high-quality laboratory notebooks in accordance with SOPs and internal standards.
- Coordinate and communicate with stakeholders across multiple experiments.
Benefits
- Generous equity package in an early-stage company.
- Retirement plan with company contribution.
- Flexible PTO with healthy time-off minimums.
- Company-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Life and disability insurance.
- Career coaching.
- Mental health support.
- Free team lunches every day.
- Snacks.
- Companywide social events.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
